Woburn, MA – The statistics are startling. Approximately 20 percent of all victims of sexual abuse are under age 8. One in five children are sexually solicited while on the Internet, and 30-40 percent of children who are sexually abused are abused by family members. There are an estimated 39 million survivors of sexual abuse living in the U.S. today.

The North Suburban YMCA has partnered with Darkness to Light, a nationally acclaimed non-profit, to bring its award-winning prevention program, Stewards of Children, to Woburn, Winchester, Burlington, Lexington and Arlington. Darkness to Light emphasizes child safety as an adult’s responsibility.

Trainings are open to the public and can be of specific interest to youth sports organizations, coaches, camp counselors, teachers, schools, faith centers and other service organizations. “One of the Y’s areas of focus is on youth development,” said Amy Turner, Branch Executive Director of the North Suburban YMCA. “We believe that every child deserves the chance to discover who they are and what they can achieve in a safe and nurturing environment, and that’s why partnering with Darkness to Light for this program is so important to us.”

The trainings facilitate discussion about the incidence and consequence of abuse and present information about child protection policies and mandates. Continuing education credits for professionals in various fields can be obtained through this training.

The Y will be hosting an educational meeting on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 8:30-9:30 a.m. at Woburn City Hall which is located at 10 Common St., Woburn. For more information and/or to sign up, contact Jodi Crowley at jcrowley@ymcaboston.org or at 781-305-2908. Space is limited. RSVP today.

About the Greater Boston YMCA – North Suburban Branch

The Y is one of the leading nonprofits in the area, strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility. Throughout our community, the Y engages over 11,000 men, women and children – regardless of age, income or background — to nurture the potential of children and teens, improve the nation’s health and well-being, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Anchored by the support of our volunteers, the Y has the long-standing relationships and physical presence not just to promise, but to deliver, lasting personal and social change. Find out more by visiting http://ymcaboston.org/woburn.

About Darkness To Light

Darkness to Light (D2L) is a national non-profit, 501c3, dedicated to the prevention of child sexual abuse through public education and awareness. D2L programs raise awareness of the prevalence and consequences of child sexual abuse by educating adults on the steps they can take to prevent, recognize and react responsibly to the reality of the sexual abuse of children.

Since its founding, D2L has created ongoing public education programs in 49 states and 11 foreign countries. These “Stewards of Children” training programs form a grass roots push at the community level to educate parents, youth service organizations, youth sports leagues and coaches, faith centers and teachers/school leaders. For more information about D2L, visit d2l.org.